Nigel Howe Appointed as Royals CEO

Nigel Howe

Reading Football Club are delighted to announce that Nigel Howe has been appointed to the position of Chief Executive at Madejski Stadium.

In his role as Vice Chairman, Howe has been presiding over the club’s property development plans, including the delivery of a brand new state-of-the-art training complex at Bearwood and the proposals for the Royal Elm Park project. Considerable progress is now being made with those projects so Howe has agreed to continue to oversee those advancements but redirect his focus to the day-to-day management of the football club.

A Chief Executive with more proven pedigree would be difficult to find. Previously as CEO, Howe became one of the longest-serving in football during his tenure at the Royals’ helm. Howe held the position of Chief Executive at Reading for more than two decades, initially helping to guide the club through its transition from Elm Park to its brand new Madejski Stadium home in 1998.

Nigel went on to steer the Royals to the top tier of English football for the first time in its history in 2006 – Steve Coppell earning Reading the title and a 106 points record which still stands to this day.

Premier League

Reading returned to the Premier League as title-winners once more in 2012 and, in Howe’s final first team game as CEO, the club were just a penalty kick away from repeating the feat for a third time at Wembley in 2017.

Howe has football running through his veins; his father, Dick, played for various clubs and his uncle was former Arsenal and England coach, Don Howe. And Nigel himself can certainly be considered ‘one of our own’, having played such an integral part in the club during the most successful period in its history.

EFL Board

Nigel currently occupies a position on the EFL Board as a Championship representative and was last year awarded with a Degree of Doctor of Science by Aston University – in recognition of his significant contribution to the business and football community and enhancing the life chances of young people through sport. Now, we welcome him back as Chief Executive.

Owner Mr Yongge Dai said, “As we said recently, the importance of this appointment was not to be underestimated and, as owners, we sought a CEO who would be the right fit for Reading. In Nigel Howe, the club’s direction is being entrusted to a very safe pair of hands and an individual who knows the club, its staff, the town, its reputation, its supporters and its potential better than anyone.

“He has tasted success here before and I believe he can help us to achieve more success in the future. So we are very much looking forward to working closely with Nigel and his senior management team to build a positive future for this football club.”

Comment

Howe said, “I am honoured that the club’s owners have asked me to retake the reins and help lead this club forward. Both on and off the pitch, challenges lie ahead. However, with our fans’ support, I am very pleased to accept this exciting opportunity to help the club better engage with our fans, better connect with our community, establish its identity and achieve its aspirations going forward.”